HSE Funding For IVF Patients
As of 2023, patients may avail of publicly funded IVF, IUI, or ICSI treatments through the HSE.
What Procedures Are Available Through This Scheme?
There are a few options available. These are:
- A single round of IVF
- A single round of ICSI
- Three rounds of IUI
How Do I Apply For Funding?
To be eligible for subsidised IUI, IVF, or ICSI:
- Your general practitioner (GP) or specialist must refer you to a regional fertility centre.
- The consultant at the fertility centre must approve the suggested treatment.
- Both you and your partner must meet all the required criteria for access.
HSE Funding Criteria
To receive complimentary IUI, IVF, or ICSI treatment, both you and your partner must satisfy all the access criteria, which include:
Residency
You must be resident in the Republic of Ireland.
Age
Applicants must be 18 or over, anyone under 18 will not be considered.
The upper age limits for applicants are as follows :
- 40 or under if you’re a woman
- 59 or under if you’re a man
Children
You and your partner cannot have any living children together. Only one of you can have a living child, which includes:
- Children you’ve adopted.
- Children you’re the biological parent of.
- Children you plan to have through surrogacy.
- Children you’re a non-birth mother to in a same-sex female relationship.
Number of Parents
There is an upper limit of 2 people who can plan on being a parent of the child.
Relationship Length
Your relationship together must have lasted at least a year by the time of application.
Sterilisation
You must never have had a sterilisation procedure to prevent pregnancy.
This includes:
- vasectomy
- blocking or sealing your fallopian tubes (tubal ligation)
Previous IVF Treatment
You must not have previously had IVF treatment unless you had one round before and still have unused embryos frozen.
To get supplementary treatment, you must satisfy the following :
- you have not had IVF
- you had 1 round of IVF before and have no unused embryos still in storage
- you started tests for IVF but have not started taking IVF medicine
Body Mass Index (BMI)
For females, your Body Mass Index must fall between 18.5 – 30.
Lifestyle
You must not smoke or have smoked in the last 3 months.
You must not take recreational drugs or have taken any for at least 3 months.
If you plan to be the birth mother, you should limit your alcohol consumption to no more than 1 or 2 standard drinks, up to 2 times a week.
If you plan to use your sperm for fertility treatment, your alcohol intake should not exceed 3 to 4 standard drinks per occasion and should not exceed a total of 10 standard drinks per week.
Donor Eggs & Sperm
HSE does not offer complimentary IUI, IVF or ICSI treatments if you:
- are unable to use your own eggs or sperm
- are a gay couple
- are not married
HSE Documentation
Request An Appointment
Frequently Asked Question
Q1: How Do I Schedule an Initial Consultation?
A: To schedule an initial consultation, please contact our clinic directly via phone, email, or through our appointment request form. You may also ask your general practitioner or healthcare provider for a referral.
Q2: What Services Do You Offer?
A: We offer a range of fertility services, including but not limited to IVF, IUI, egg freezing, and donor programs. Our experienced team will guide you through the available options based on your individual needs.
Q3: What Factors Contribute to Infertility, and When Should I Seek Help?
A: Infertility can result from various factors. If you’ve been actively trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, or if you have known fertility issues, it’s advisable to seek consultation. Both partners should undergo initial assessments to determine the cause.
Q4: How Does The Fertility Treatment Process Work?
A: The process varies based on the chosen treatment, but generally involves an initial consultation, diagnostic testing, personalized treatment planning, and, if needed, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or IUI. Our team will guide you through each step.
Q5: Do You Offer Financial Assistance or Insurance Coverage?
A: Our team can discuss available financing options, and we recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand coverage details.
As of 2023, patients may avail of publicly funded IVF, IUI, or ICSI treatments through the HSE if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q6: What Are The Success Rates of Your Fertility Treatments?
A: Success rates can vary based on individual circumstances. During your consultation, we will provide you with personalized information based on your medical history and the specific treatment plan.
Q7: Is Fertility Treatment Only For Couples, or Can Single Individuals Also Seek Assistance?
A: We welcome both couples and single individuals seeking fertility assistance. Our team provides support and guidance to individuals with diverse family-building goals.
Q8: Are fertility treatments physically and emotionally demanding?
A: Fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging, and the physical aspects vary. Our team is committed to providing compassionate care and support throughout your fertility journey.
Q9: Are there lifestyle changes that can enhance fertility?
A: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can positively impact fertility. Our team will provide guidance on factors such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management to optimize your chances of conception.
Q10: How confidential is the fertility treatment process?
A: Patient confidentiality is a top priority. We adhere to strict privacy standards, and all information shared with our clinic is kept confidential.
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